Overview
- Knox News reports the firing, citing an anonymous source, and Tennessee has not issued an official announcement.
- The 2025 defense allowed at least 30 points in seven of eight SEC games and ranked 92nd in scoring defense and 116th in pass defense.
- Key secondary losses included Jermod McCoy’s torn ACL, Rickey Gibson’s season-ending injury, and Boo Carter’s November dismissal, with added issues in tackling and communication.
- Banks’ 2024 unit allowed 16.1 points per game, helped Tennessee reach the College Football Playoff, and earned him a Broyles Award finalist nod.
- Heupel had never fired an assistant in eight seasons as a head coach, Banks had been his only Tennessee defensive coordinator since 2021, and Banks was under a deal worth $2.15 million annually through 2027.